Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has urged the Federal Government to take swift measures to combat the rising tide of counterfeit drugs entering Nigeria. He highlighted the immediate necessity for tighter controls within the supply chain to stop dangerous substances from penetrating local markets.
Recent enforcement actions by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have led to the seizure of ten trucks loaded with fake, expired, and falsified drugs at the Ọgbọ Ogwụ Bridge Head Market in Onitsha, underscoring the urgency of addressing this critical issue. This appeal follows disturbing findings in Onitsha’s markets, particularly the notorious Ọgbọ Ogwụ market, where regulators recently uncovered significant quantities of falsified and banned medications.
In a statement shared on X.com, the governor detailed his recent visit to Onitsha, where he inspected the Ọgbọ Ogwụ market and the nearby Plumbing Materials Market, which had been shut down by regulatory authorities. He stated, “As the largest open drug market in Africa, it is not surprising that federal agencies would periodically visit to enforce standards and check the sale of fake and controlled drugs.”
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Soludo noted that his visit was interventionist, aimed at understanding why surrounding markets were closed. He highlighted that the leadership of the Plumbing Materials Market confirmed the shocking discoveries made by regulators: “Several shops were found to be harboring cartons of counterfeit drugs, many of which are banned both locally and globally.” He questioned how these drugs continue to be manufactured in India and infiltrate Nigeria’s ports without detection.
In light of these findings, Soludo called for a more robust crackdown on the supply chain responsible for bringing harmful drugs into the country. He urged the Federal Government to “tighten up the noose on the supply end of the value chain.”
The governor announced that he has directed an expedited search in the markets to allow traders at the Plumbing Materials Market to resume operations within ten days. Furthermore, he revealed plans for a coordinated wholesale drug center under construction in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, aimed at creating a standardized Ọgbọ Ogwụ market.
“This initiative is our commitment to ending the chaotic market environment where fake and counterfeit drugs thrive,” he stated. Soludo concluded by affirming Onitsha’s status as Africa’s largest trading hub, expressing his determination to enhance its reputation further.
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